[The] Two Years

Day 1,231, 20:25 • Published in Canada Canada • by Mary Chan

Yesterday, April 3rd, 2011, marked two years, my second anniversary, of being in the Canadian Armed Forces. Two years of service, two years of dedication, of fighting, of defending, for the CAF, for eCanada and her allies, for EDEN, PANAM, and now TERRA. Two years of involvement, of being, of living, of thriving.
Of growing.

It's been a long two years; possibly longer than you have been playing eRepublik. I still remember first setting foot in the recruitment centre, almost missing my first roll call; walking across the Graduation Hall, nervous, yet honoured and looking forward to serve eCanada through the CAF, as Pomp and Circumstance plays in the background, Personnel Manager and Cadet Trainer Corporal TTplaya calls my name alongside with 11 other graduates (listed below) and placement in the 10th Royal Canadian Hussars platoon. I stepped into the 10th platoon, not knowing, nor knowing of anyone, except for Cpl. TTplaya as he was the one that directed me to the Code of Conduct and other CAF regulations earlier when I enrolled into training, but I was surprised by all the warm welcomes from strangers*.
For my first few months, I was still getting comfortable and familiar with the CAF community, responding to roll calls, requesting supplies, and everything else. I remember still being a ghost, a shadow, lurking around the forums. I guess I was still a shy little girl two years ago, timidly trying something new every so often, trying to find myself, where I belong, where I can go.

A lot has happened since then.

I was a couple days shy of Lt. William Duncan's reign of the platoon before moving to focus on a more political career, but even now the CAF still echos the occasional mention of the 10th being "WD's Platoon" as he was the one that brought the soldiers together to establish it. So instead, under Lt. Ramizeth I began my military career as a private, but I know and knew back then as well, I wasn't ready to move up. At least, not yet. Still, I learned the ropes and got comfortable with everything as a private until under Lt. Anthony Martin, I was promoted to Corporal. And as usual, real life happens and online games need to be put on a hold; Col. Anthony Martin had to deal with his real life, and I felt a responsibility, as an old time Hussar, to help keep the 10th running til his return. Once he did return, I was promoted to Sergeant and he guided me, knowing the possibility of taking over the platoon when he finally chooses to move on.
It was right before V2 when I was promoted to Lieutenant, Commanding Officer of the 10th. During this time many people left, not just in my platoon, but also in eRepublik. It was discouraging to see many good soldiers leave, especially those with whom I have fought alongside with numerous times. Nevertheless I stayed, fought through the temptation of leaving eRepublik behind as I would also leave behind the wonderful people I've found. Eventually I found myself rising in the ranks under the tutelage of Raw784, first as Branch Executive Officer (also entitling me a place in High Command), then Supply Officer and now, Branch Commanding Officer.

Up til this point, I still remain in the 10th, but it's about time I left the reigns to focus on my other CAF responsibilities. So without further ado, I would like to publicly announce my successor: Acacia Mason!
I know I can trust you with this platoon that's so dear to my heart. I will always be a Hussar forever.

From then to now, I found comfort in the CAF and made it my home. The people of the 10th RCH inspired me and made me realize this is a community I want to be a part of. Friendly. Supportive. Dedicated. Strong. Loyal. Committed. Caring. I miss you all.
To all those who left, in and outside of the 10th, I hope you'll all doing well. To those who are still here, I hope you will remain. It has truly been an experience that I will not forget. Through my two years of service, my greatest reward has to be meeting you amazing people.

Thank you, to my mentors and those who I looked up to as leaders and role models: Anthony Martin, Ramizeth, Chucky Norris, William Duncan, Eric Gunn, Dutchy, and Raw784. You've taught me more than how to do a job, if not through personal direction, it was through example.
I would thank all who were a part of my two years, but unfortunately the list is too long and I would never finish this article.

- Brigadier-General Mary Chan,
Branch Commanding Officer of Air Division;
High Command; Supply Officer;
5th Commanding Officer of 10th Firestorm (Royal Canadian Hussars) Platoon
Fortius quo fidelius


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*Includes Lt. Ramizeth, Pvt. Thordan, Pvt. Vulcain and Sgt. Dutchy

CAF Training Centre Graduates of April 3, 2009:
Herman Tartoff: 1st Eagle-Eye
Kinote: 1st Eagle-Eye
Alucard Bloodlust: 1st Eagle-Eye
SensibleVoices: 12th Shock-Drop Infantry
Jbmalin: 12th Shock-Drop Infantry
PhantomSamurai: 3rd Canadian Vanguard
Wiedmaier: 5th Joint Task Force
GavinMan: 69th Royal Canadian Marines
Pine_JR: 69th Royal Canadian Marines
MaryChan: 10th Royal Canadian Hussars
Voltogyre: 20th Omega Reserves
Duke Leto: 27th Northernlights Reserves